Elves

Elves are tall, slender humanoids with a distinctive, triangular point to their elongated ears, known for both their exceptional longevity and self-sacrificial nature. Elves often live for five to six centuries, with some individuals surpassing a thousand years. This extended lifespan profoundly shapes elven society, allowing them to invest decades, even centuries, in mastering a single craft or discipline. While some elves attempt to diversify their skills, they typically find themselves only proficient in their latest endeavor, as their previous pursuits fade with time. This inclination towards single-focus mastery results in a society rich in expertise, where each elf becomes an unparalleled artisan, scholar, or warrior within their field.
There are three primary subspieces of elves within Midranor and even more in the outer planes. They are each drawn to an aspect of the world as if that part seeks to draw them in and then devour them. Most elves however simply develope a great intrest in the aspect and master it.

Wood Elves

Wood Elves are deeply connected to the natural world, their lives and traditions interwoven with the forests and groves they call home. Their self-sacrificial nature is expressed in a reverence for the life cycle, culminating in a practice where, at the end of their lives, many Wood Elves choose to be buried beneath trees or perform a ritual of Elderroot Sacrifice. During this ritual, an elder wood elf merges with a sacred tree, allowing their body and spirit to be absorbed, nourishing the tree and leaving a lingering essence of their soul within it. These trees, known as Verdant Keepers, grow stronger and larger than others, becoming revered landmarks and spiritual anchors within Wood Elf communities. Wood Elves see this ritual as the ultimate gift to nature, becoming one with the earth they’ve protected throughout their lives, and ensuring their legacy is preserved within the heart of the forest.

High Elves

High Elves are intrinsically tied to the The Weave and many can perform basic magical feats or cantrips from a very young age. Their affinity for the arcane often leads to early success in magical studies, causing those who grow up outside traditional High Elven society to sometimes develop a sense of superiority, as their talents often exceed those of other races in their formative years. However, this early bloom can lead to a sense of disillusionment; while other races continue to grow, High Elves often reach magical maturity early and spend centuries perfecting what they have already learned. This has led High Elven society to value patience, introspection, and perfection, though those outside of it may sometimes struggle with feelings of isolation and superiority. High Elves, often serving as advisors or scholars, view themselves as custodians of magical knowledge, with a responsibility to uphold and preserve the The Weave .

Drow

The Drow hail from the Shadowfell, a realm devoid of sunlight, and retain a natural affinity for darkness. Due to their origin, Drow have an extreme sensitivity to sunlight and instead thrive in dimly lit or subterranean environments. Their sense of sacrifice is notably twisted compared to other elven kin; rather than offering themselves, they believe in the Sacrificial Rite of Submission, where lesser beings offer their lives or loyalty to strengthen the Drow’s power or knowledge. Driven by a relentless thirst for understanding, Drow instinctively seek hidden knowledge and are exceptional at retaining skills and information, more so than other elves. Their intelligence make them formidable scholars, often willing to sacrifice others for the sake of personal or communal advancement. While often misunderstood or feared, the Drow’s unique mastery of darkness and their instinctual, complex hierarchies grant them an influential, if ominous, presence in Midranor’s deeper and darker territories.

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

Elves experience low fertility, with the opportunity for childbirth occurring only once a year. Following a birth, an elf’s body requires a prolonged recovery period before they can conceive again. Despite this, elven women can continue to bear children even into the later stages of their lives, as they maintain a youthful appearance and physical resilience from roughly a hundred years of age until the final years of their lifespan.

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Their societies, grounded in empathy and mutual support, ensures that even the least fortunate among them are cared for. Elves are naturally self-sacrificing, often dedicating time and resources to uplift those in need, creating a culture where social stability and individual well-being are priorities. This trait has cultivated a society that feels remarkably safe, with crime and poverty low as communal bonds strengthen through collective care.